Among the following the correct order of acidity is
- HClO2 < HClO < HClO3 < HClO4
- HClO4 < HClO2 < HClO < HClO3
- HClO3 < HClO4 < HClO2 < HClO
- HClO < HClO2 < HClO3 < HClO4
Answer
(4) HClO < HClO2 < HClO3 < HClO4
Solution
For oxoacids of the same halogen, acidity increases with the oxidation number of the halogen.
Oxidation number of Cl: HClO (+1), HClO2 (+3), HClO3 (+5), HClO4 (+7).
∵ More O atoms ⇒ greater dispersal of negative charge (resonance) in the conjugate base ⇒ more stable anion (ClO- < ClO2- < ClO3- < ClO4-).
∴ HClO < HClO2 < HClO3 < HClO4
Answer: (4)